HOMEFrequently asked questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Get Behind Bowel Screening.
What is the Get Behind Bowel Screening campaign?
Get Behind Bowel Screening is a national advocacy campaign run by Cancer Council urging the Australian Government to expand the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program to include bi-annual screening for everyone over 50.
What is the aim of the campaign?
We know screening for bowel cancer saves lives and Cancer Council believes every Australian over 50 has the right to a free national bowel cancer screening program.
We're asking all Australians to send an email to their local Member of Parliament urging them to put pressure on the Australian Government to expand the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program to include two-yearly screening for everyone over 50 by 2012.
By getting thousands of people to send an email we plan to show the Government that Australians want a firm commitment to full implementation of the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program in the next budget.
Why is a free, national bowel cancer screening program so important?
Bowel cancer kills 80 Australians every week, yet nearly all cases can be cured if found early.
The National Bowel Cancer Screening Program provides enormous potential to save lives from bowel cancer – potential that will not be fully realised without increased funding and a clear plan for program expansion. Currently, only people turning 50, 55 or 65 before December 2010 will receive a free screening kit and with no offer of re-screening. That means around five million Australians aged over 50 are missing out on a test that could save their lives.
The Government has the ability to save more than 30 lives every week – that's 30 mothers, fathers, daughters or brothers – if they commit to funding two-yearly bowel screening for all Australians over 50.
How can I support the campaign?
You can show your support for the campaign by sending an email petitioning your local Member of Parliament to get behind bowel screening.
We've made sending the email easy – just create an email that will be automatically sent to your local Member of Parliament. There's also space to add a personal message of your own.
To generate as much support as possible we're also encouraging people to forward the website link to 11 friends and family, signifying the number of people who lose their lives to bowel cancer each day in Australia.
Other ways to support the campaign include sharing your own experience of bowel cancer, sending a letter to your local Member of Parliament and writing to your local newspaper.
Why is Cancer Council asking people to share their stories?
Bowel cancer is the second most common cause of cancer-related death in Australia, yet it just doesn't get the attention it deserves. By asking people to share their experiences of bowel cancer and screening we hope to generate interest in the campaign and inspire others to get involved.
There are thousands of Australians whose lives have been touched by bowel cancer. If you think bowel cancer screening has saved your life or the life of someone close to you, or if you feel strongly that screening should be available to everyone over 50, we'd love to hear from you. Go to Who's making a noise? to share your story.
It's the real, human stories that make our campaigns a success.
How long will the campaign run?
The campaign launched nationally on 6 June at the start of Bowel Cancer Awareness Week (8-15 June). At the end of October the number of emails will be counted and included in Cancer Council Australia's 2010 Budget submission. We expect the campaign to carry on into 2010 and we will continue to push for a commitment to a fully operational National Bowel Cancer Screening Program in the May 2010 Budget.
How will the success of the campaign be determined?
Although it's difficult to estimate how many people will support the campaign, we really hope thousands of people will send an email to their local Member of Parliament so we can show the Government it's time bowel cancer got the attention it deserves.
We'll also be counting the number of visits to the website as well as the media coverage we generate!
Why did the government recently recall a large number of kits distributed as part of the national program?
In May 2009 the government issued a statement recalling the 475,000 faecal occult blood tests (FOBT) distributed as part of the national program since 1 December 2008 amid concerns about the reliability of the negative tests.
The government has written to all 475,000 people who received the faulty kits and they are being invited to re-take the test which they will receive as soon as new kits become available.
What is Cancer Council's advice for anyone who received a faulty kit?
We encourage everyone who received an FOBT from the Government since 1 December 2008 to complete the replacement kit when it arrives.
If you completed a test and received a positive result you do not need to re-do the test but it is important to see your doctor for follow-up if you haven't already.
We're urging people not to panic – in most cases bowel cancer is a slow-growing disease.
Despite recent quality issues associated with some screening kits, Cancer Council is urging people not to lose faith in this vital program.
